182: Chapter 182 Sacrifice to Heaven

The north wind began to rise. The Mysterious Nether Water Bottle hung high above the eaves of the thousand peaks; cold air billowed from its mouth, merging into the clouds.

Crystalline ice shavings fell in a rustle, draping the entire Moonshadow Sect in a layer of flawless white mourning silk.

The jade towers and pavilions were hidden behind the snow curtain, and the verdant green peaks were transformed into silver waves. Only the shimmering spirit lamps dotted among them revealed a gentle warmth amidst the biting cold, echoing the bright moon in the firmament from afar.

Across the thousands of mountains and ravines, ten thousand plum blossoms bloomed. Red clouds covered the snow, and a faint fragrance drifted.

Behind the mountains of Chunxi Peak, in the Rouge Valley of Houde Peak, beside the Yingyu Terrace of Qihuang Peak, next to the Golden Lotus Workshop of Panlong Peak, and even at the mouth of the cave on Wendao Peak, and by the cliffs of the Secret Realm on Yinyuan Peak...

Wherever there was Earth-element spirit soil and Pure Yin Qi to nourish the land, unique blood-petaled plum blossoms broke through the snow.

Their exotic, crisp fragrance intertwined with the snow-filled sky and the warm mist from the earth's veins, composing a breathtaking painting.

Yet within this painting, what rose in the mist was far more than just the scent of plum blossoms and snow.

The geothermal springs wreathed in the red glow of Chunyang Peak, the Clear Heart Pool by the deep, secluded valley of Xuanyin Peak, the Warm Jade Soup by the spirit fields of Houde Peak, and the various-sized springs carved into the mountainsides of the Four Seasons Peaks (Chunxi, Xiayu, Qiucheng, Dongzang)...

With precise positioning by the Golden Lotus Workshop, the geothermal spring clusters, triggered by the fire-vein Disciples of Xiayu Peak using Yang Flame Crystals, were scattered like stars across the sky.

A gentle warmth spread across the Sect's land like veins. The steam from the hot springs rose like smoke, curling and dancing, permeating the space between the snow and the plum shadows.

Countless Disciples either played by the springs, testing the water with bare feet and letting out satisfied sighs, or were already immersed in them, revealing only their contented faces, enjoying this gift on the eve of the Winter Festival.

At the third quarter of the Chen hour, the snow cleared and the sky brightened. Ten thousand feet of golden radiance pierced through the clouds, spilling onto the Sacrifice to Heaven platform atop the main peak of Tianyuan.

The circular high platform built of white marble was solemn and dignified, a layer of fresh snow covering it, making it appear all the more sacred.

Below the platform, thousands of Moonshadow Sect Disciples, dressed in uniform moon-white dharma robes, stood in solemn silence, resembling an endless snowfield.

Only the specks of blood-red plum blossoms adorning their hair buns and lapels were the vibrant spots of red in this silver-white world.

The bell rang nine times, its sound shaking the universe.

On both sides of the sacrificial platform, the frozen jade steps shimmered with flowing light. Two stunning figures ascended the steps, standing on either side of the altar at the end of the jade stairs.

On the left, Yu Lingshuang wore a flowing ice-blue gauze dress; beneath the cloud-like gauze, her long, curvaceous leg lines were faintly visible, and the cinnabar tear mole at the corner of her left eye was particularly striking against the snow light.

Her features were as cold as ten-thousand-year-old black ice, and her gaze was calm as she looked down at the crowd below.

On the right, Chi Shuying wore a pink rosy cloud dress, her mature and curvaceous figure fully displayed in its alluring charm beneath the wrapping of the dress.

A graceful, shallow smile played on the corners of her lips, and her charming gaze swept across the solemn formation of Disciples.

At the edge of the altar, the three women including Huang Yutong, the sisters Hua Youyou and Jiang Wangqing, and other newly appointed Elders stood quietly. One hundred Core Disciples including Liu Yaner, Zhao Hongyi, Ye Qinglan, and Jiang Wantang, dressed in long ceremonial gowns, held plum branches adorned with blood-red plum blossoms and spirit grain nectar, lining up on both sides.

A dark-colored figure stepped onto the ice stairs.

Ling Hao was draped in a black-based sacrificial robe with star patterns; the hem of the robe was embroidered with gold thread outlining the trajectories of the stars in the heavens, and it seemed as if a galaxy flowed as he walked.

His steps were steady as he ascended to the top of the altar. Facing the vast firmament and the rolling snow-capped mountains, he stood solemnly before the sacrificial table.

"Sacrifice!"

The hundred Core Disciples stepped forward one by one with solemn expressions, respectfully offering the plum branches—which carried the Sect's prayers and the essence of the cold plum blossoms—and the spirit grain nectar onto the black jade sacrificial table. The sacrificial table was instantly shrouded in a cloud of blood-red plum blossoms, and an exotic fragrance permeated the air.

"Burn incense!"

Ling Hao took the three sticks of Heaven Star sandalwood incense offered by Yu Lingshuang, ignited them with a flicker of spirit fire from his fingertips, and inserted them into the purple bronze incense burner. The blue smoke rose straight up, merging into the clouds, as if connecting heaven and earth.

"Recite the Sect Precepts!"

Chi Wanhe, dressed in a gorgeous pink gauze dress, stepped out from the crowd and stood in front of the altar. Her pretty face was solemn, devoid of her usual playfulness, and her crisp voice, like a jade chime, rang through the clouds:

"The moon reflects on a thousand rivers, bearing the grace of Heaven; today we entrust longevity to the cold plum blossoms!"

Thousands of Disciples below the platform, whether Core Disciples, Inner Sect, or Outer Sect, all composed their expressions and lowered their heads, responding in unison, their voices surging like a tide.

"The moon reflects on a thousand rivers, bearing the grace of Heaven; today we entrust longevity to the cold plum blossoms!"

"The Sect Master is like the bright moon, illuminating my path to immortality. Advice should be gentle and soft; when an order is given, it must be carried out."

"The Sect Master bestows the grace of the Dao, and we repay it with our lives. Not bound by brute power, we willingly become companions of one heart."

"Proclaim the sacrificial text!"

As Chi Wanhe bowed and retreated, Ling Hao turned around, facing the sacrificial table and the offered cold plum blossoms, as well as the vast heaven and earth. He spoke slowly, his voice containing both comfort and majesty, piercing through the wind and snow:

"The Three Continents are covered in dust, erosion miasma blocks the sun, the heavenly order is in chaos, and the foundations of the earth are collapsing. Demonic atmosphere from foreign realms waits for gaps to invade, the people suffer, and the path of the Dao is arduous."

"Our Sect rose in response to destiny, establishing itself in troubled times. The erosion suppression monument stabilizes the murky currents, the world-suppressing monument locks the universe, sorting out Yin and Yang, and rectifying the Law."

"However, the demonic tribulation has not yet dissipated, and the road ahead is full of obstacles. How dare we slacken? We must sharpen our swords, vow to reach the Transcendent Grade, and recast a bright and clear world for the Three Continents!"

"The Dao follows nature; solitary Yang cannot grow, and solitary Yin cannot be born. Only those with the flawless jade purity of Pure Yin can bear the pivot of the Dao, invoke the resonance of the Nine Turns, enter our Sect, and walk the Great Dao together. This is the Law of Heaven, and it is the foundation of our Sect's existence!"

"May our Sect be like the cold plum blossoms standing proud in the snow, becoming stronger through tribulations! May all Disciples have a Dao Heart like snow, clear and flawless, and walk toward longevity together!"

"Bestow blessings!"

Before the echoes of the sacrificial text had faded, Ling Hao's gaze swept over the formation of Disciples below, his voice turning clear and resonant as he announced the grace:

"Today is the Winter Festival, where the cold plum blossoms reflect the snow, signaling new life. I hereby announce:"

"The blessings of the Sect shall be extended to all Disciples. Starting from today, all cultivation Holy Lands that usually require contribution points to access—such as tempering Spiritual Roots in the Five Elements Chaos Spirit Pool, or meditating and cultivating in the Heaven-Reaching Tower—will be open free of charge for half a month! All Disciples may choose to enjoy them at their leisure, or reserve this grace for when it is needed."

"The Elders in charge of the various peaks and the Elders of each hall have prepared a celebratory feast. We shall demonstrate techniques and discuss the Dao, exchanging knowledge; we shall share the joy with spirit food and fine banquets."

"During the seven days of the Winter Festival, cast aside all worries, rest and recharge, and comprehend the vitality gifted by heaven and earth!"

As he finished, the echoes reverberated among the snow peaks. The Disciples below were silent at first, not a sound to be heard. Then, upon hearing the half-month free benefit that applied to all Disciples, a tremendous surprise spread through the crowd like ripples!

"The Five Elements Spirit Pool... free? Oh my god!" A Disciple with poor Spiritual Roots covered their mouth and exclaimed.

"The Heaven-Reaching Tower! My Bottleneck has hope!" Another Disciple clenched their fists, their face full of excitement.

"Reserve the grace? The Sect Master is so thoughtful!" A sensitive Disciple exclaimed with sincere admiration.

"Demonstrating techniques and discussing the Dao... spirit food and fine banquets..." More Disciples showed pure anticipation and joy on their faces.

Countless gazes focused on the dark figure on the altar, filled with sincere love, deep reverence, and indescribable admiration.

They seemed to see hope, a reliance, the only lighthouse leading them forward in this chaotic world.

Low discussions and suppressed cheers surged through the crowd.

Ling Hao took in the reactions of the Disciples, raised his hand to press down, and the noise vanished.

"Later, I will go to the Dongzang Pavilion on Dongzang Peak to perform the 'Plum Makeup and Red Tint' ceremony to ward off the cold and pray for blessings for you all. At noon, I will preside over the 'First Bath in Spirit Springs' by the Sheng Sheng Creation River. At the Xu hour (seven to nine in the evening), at the Floating Island Shenbi Bay, I will hold the 'Water Jade Brings Spring' rite,"

He paused, the corners of Ling Hao's mouth curling up, "For all of the above, every Disciple of our Sect may participate."

After finishing, Ling Hao turned to Yu Lingshuang and Chi Shuying, smiling, "Then, the rest of the sacrifice matters will be left to you."

Yu Lingshuang replied coldly, "Shuying and I will handle the subsequent matters of the altar properly."

Chi Shuying also smiled alluringly, her gaze flowing, "Rest assured, we will definitely not fail the task."

Zhao Hongyi stood among the plum-bearing Disciples and whispered, "Qinglan, Shenbi Bay! The Sect Master said everyone can participate! We..."

A rare blush and anticipation appeared on Ye Qinglan's cold face, and she nodded gently, "Yes, such a grand event must not be missed. Let us finish this plum-offering rite well first."

She paused, her voice dropping lower, "Besides... before that, the Sect Master will personally preside over the 'Plum Makeup and Red Tint' and 'First Bath in Spirit Springs' rites; it is a rare opportunity."

Liu Yaner and the others heard this too, and they could not suppress the radiance in their eyes.

Ling Hao took one last look at this magnificent snowy scene, his black robe fluttering slightly, and his figure slowly faded from the altar, leaving behind only the gazes of reverence across the mountains and plains.

The Sacrifice to Heaven was concluded, and the grand chapter of the Winter Festival officially began.